Optical enhancement, processing improvements for packaging, automotive, technical applications

Increasing sustainability through additive innovation is central to the many cutting-edge developments for polyolefins to be presented by Milliken at K 2010. Milliken will showcase pioneering possibilities in optical enhancement and processing improvements for packaging, automotive and technical applications, with the added bonus of energy reduction, less material consumption, and more cost-effective production. Latest developments to be featured at K 2010 are spearheaded by Millad® clarifying agents that yield aesthetic properties never seen before in polypropylene (PP). These are complemented by ClearTint® polymeric colorants that put bright colors into plastics without compromising clarity or processability. Also in the line-up are important new developments to the range of Hyperform® nucleating agents. These deliver major improvements in performance and processability, not only in polypropylene but increasingly in polyethylene (PE). New Hyperform reinforcing additives that are destined to replace mineral fillers in many applications will also be featured. The considerable energy savings and exceptional clarity made possible by the addition of Millad NX8000 to PP will be highlighted. Numerous trials carried out by Milliken since the product’s launch are proving that the additive not only delivers best-yet clarity for PP but can regularly yield cycle time reductions (and thus increase productivity) of as much as 15%. With Millad NX8000, an injection molder normally processing polypropylene at 240-260°C can drop machine settings down to around 200°C. This ability to process at lower temperatures can cut energy consumption by 15-20% thereby improving bottom line savings to fabricators. During the show, Milliken will reinforce how no other additive puts clarity and gloss levels on a par with other “glass clear” polymers and even glass by presenting a wide range of clear PP packaging and durable storage applications containing Millad NX8000. A new version of the additive aimed specifically at extrusion-blow molding, Millad® NX8500E will be seen. Set for launch in 2010, this innovative material will allow processors to optimize surface properties as well as bulk haze. Bottles produced with Millad NX8500E will exhibit excellent gloss and transparency, making them suitable for use in many applications. Complementing the ultimate clarity achievable with Millad NX8000, the ClearTint polymeric colorants maintain the transparency of polyolefins while producing a brighter color. As they have no effect on shrinkage, parts have a lower tendency to warp and the excellent processability of PP is maintained. Although ClearTint is particularly suitable for PP, it is also increasingly used in PE for such packaging applications as container lids. Unlike more conventional dyes, ClearTint colorants have increased resistance to migration and therefore are ideal for food contact applications. Milliken also has a formulation that meets US Pharmacopoeia pill vial regulations, which include limits on transmission of UV radiation by packaging. ClearTint US Pharmacopoeia formulation for pill vials limits the amount of ultraviolet radiation absorption to protect vial contents and maintain the clarity of the container over its lifetime.